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Xiao Xingchen opened the door with a smile that immediately froze on his face. There was a teenager standing at his doorstep, a little shorter than himself, dark hair poking out from the sides of a black hat and wearing an unflattering blue shirt that hung slightly loose over an obviously fitted form. 

“Aer ouy iaxo xcnhgeni?” the teen asked disinterestedly, looking down at a receipt.

Oh my god, his voice is so smooth. Wait. Is he talking to me? There’s no one else here. Of course he is! What did he say?!

While Xiao Xingchen was internally panicking, the teen looked up at him with bottomless eyes the color of obsidian that seemed to pierce his soul, and Xiao Xingchen’s breath caught in his throat. 

“Huh?” he could only ask dumbly.

Stupid! 4 college level classes and ‘Huh?’ is the best I could come up with??

“Are you Xiao Xingchen?” 

Xiao Xingchen’s knees went weak. His name sounded more than good coming from the teen’s mouth. 

His eyes flicked down. And what a mouth it was. The teens lips looked absolutely sinful, slightly thin, peach pink, and totally kissable. Xiao Xingchen wondered what he had to do to get them on his own, or on his neck, or maybe even somewhere lower.

He glanced back up and saw the teen looking expectantly at him. 

Oh yeah, he just asked a question. What was it again? My name? Right, right. Name.

Xiao Xingchen gulped, his tongue flicking out to wet his lips. “Hi, I’m Xiao Xingchen. What’s your name?”

Nooo! That’s not what I wanted to say! Who asks the delivery guy their name?! Why am I like this?? If I’m going to make a fool of myself, I might as well have asked for his number while I was at it or invited him inside!

The teen’s eyes slightly widened in surprise before narrowing in wariness. Xiao Xingchen was about to take back the question – I shouldn’t have asked – but the other teen opened his mouth before he could.

“I’m Xue–” 

“Xingchen, you forgot the money.”

Xiao Xingchen turned back to see Song Lan abruptly stop in his tracks and his face harden. 

“Xue Yang,” he said in a cold voice. 

“Song Lan,” the teen, Xue Yang – Xue Yang! – returned in an equally cold tone.

“Oh, you two know each other?” Xiao Xingchen looked back and forth between the two, feeling slightly betrayed that his best friend never mentioned having such an attractive friend, though by the look of things, they didn’t get along. 

“He goes to our school,” Song Lan was the one to answer. 

Xiao Xingchen turned back to look at Xue Yang. 

He goes to our school? That’s impossible! How could I have missed him? I would never forget a face like that.

“Here’s your pizza,” Xue Yang said, pulling two boxes out from the insulated bag and roughly shoving them into Xiao Xingchen’s arms. “That’s $18.99.”

Xiao Xingchen blushed when their fingers brushed accidentally. He helplessly looked to Song Lan, who sighed and took the pizza from him, handing him the cash. Looking down at his hands, Xiao Xingchen thought that the brief touch of their fingers wasn’t enough.

“Zichen, could you get my wallet? I forgot to include the tip.”

“You already–”

“It’s fine, I don’t need it.” Xue Yang grabbed the cash from his hands and took off without bothering to count it, leaving Xiao Xingchen reaching after him in vain. 

He rounded on his friend as soon as he accepted that Xue Yang wouldn’t be coming back. Song Lan ignored his hurt look and carried the pizzas to the living room. 

“Who’s Xue Yang? How do you know him? Why have I never seen him before?” Xiao Xingchen interrogated. ‘Why have you never told me about him?’ was left unasked but very clearly implied.

“Zicheeeen,” he did not whine when his friend proceeded to take a bite of pizza without answering any of his questions.

Letting out a resigned sigh, Song Lan leveled him with an unimpressed look. “He transferred here a few weeks ago. I gave him the school tour because you were busy with student council. You’ve never seen him because I made it so you wouldn’t meet.”

Xiao Xingchen was shocked! Zichen had kept Xue Yang’s existence hidden from him for weeks? Weeks! Why? How? 

He didn’t know what kind of expression showed on his face – displeasure, betrayal, underlying thirst at the thought of everything he and Xue Yang could have been doing together all these weeks – but his friend heaved another heavy sigh before continuing. 

“I’ve known you for years, Xingchen. I know your type. But to be completely blunt, he’s an arrogant asshole. I know you won’t listen to me, but I’m going to say it anyways. You shouldn’t involve yourself with him. Nothing good can come from being with a guy like him.”

“What– I wouldn’t– I mean, objectively, he’s very– But that doesn’t mean–”

Song Lan sent him a knowing look and Xiao Xingchen looked away guiltily, knowing he wasn’t going to be able to bluff his way out of this. 

“Okaaay, so maybe you know me but you don’t know him! He could’ve just been nervous when you took him on the school tour. It’s not like you’ve talked to him since then, right?”

“He’s in five of my classes,” his friend said like that was a bad thing while Xiao Xingchen was cursing life’s unfairness at not even having known of his existence until a few minutes ago. “The only classes we don’t share are electives.”

That caused Xiao Xingchen to pause. Song Lan took most of the same courses he did, though they weren’t in the same class. So Xue Yang was attractive and smart? If he was athletic on top of that, Xiao Xingchen would be done for.

“Zichen, let’s switch classes! Since you don’t like Xue Yang, I can take your place!”

“Xingchen, you know that’s not possible.”

Xiao Xingchen’s bottom lip jutted out in a pout when his friend pressed play on the remote and turned back to the TV, effectively ending their conversation. He was determined to get more information about their apparently not-so-new schoolmate as soon as the movie was over.

•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

The next Monday, Song Lan was walking Xiao Xingchen to his third period class as usual when he smoothly switched to stand on his other side. He thought nothing of it at first, it happened often enough, and turned his head to continue their conversation when he was interrupted by a sudden realization. 

Why did Zichen move to my other side? He never used to do this before, he only started a few weeks ago… Is he trying to avoid someone?

As if a lightbulb had gone off in his head, Xiao Xingchen knew what, or who, he would find. Abruptly cutting off his next words to his friend, he stopped in the middle of the hall. It earned him a few grumbles and annoyed huffs from the people walking behind him, but he ignored them and looked to the opposite side of the hall. His gaze was immediately drawn to a black-clad figure. There, standing at a locker with his back towards the rush of students, was Xue Yang.

Dark hair tied back in a half ponytail, shoulders perfectly filling out a leather jacket, black skinny jeans hugging all the right places. Xiao Xingchen’s world narrowed down to a single point.

He looks even better without his work uniform! Does he always look this hot? I can't believe Zichen kept this view from me for weeks!

Without looking away from his crush, Xiao Xingchen suggested, “Hey, Zichen, you always walk me to my class. I’ll go with you to yours today.” He knew that his intentions were poorly hidden, if at all, but he didn’t care, not when Xue Yang closed his locker and started walking away from him. 

“No thanks, it’s canceled,” came a deadpanned response. 

Xiao Xingchen finally turned to his friend and looked blankly at him for a few moments before laughing. “You’re so funny, Zichen. They would never cancel just a single class.” He grabbed him by the arm and started dragging him after Xue Yang. “Now let’s go. You don’t want to be late.”

They arrived in record time despite Song Lan digging his heels into the ground to slow them down. Sticking his head in the door, Xiao Xingchen confirmed that his target was indeed inside the room before putting on his brightest smile.

“Oh hey, Xue Yang!” Xiao Xingchen bounded inside the class ahead of his friend to greet his crush. “I didn't know you were in Zichen's class!”

He sat at the empty desk beside Xue Yang. Song Lan, who had grudgingly followed in after him, sent Xiao Xingchen an unimpressed look from his own seat, but he just turned his full attention to Xue Yang. The dark shirt he wore under his leather jacket did a poor job of hiding his defined chest, and Xiao Xingchen thought he would very much love to be held against it. And the patches of skin peeking through the tears in the jeans made his fingers itch to touch the lean muscle underneath.

“I bought another pizza yesterday but you weren't the one to deliver it. Do you not work on Sundays?” Xiao Xingchen asked, decidedly ignoring Song Lan’s horrified look at the news. 

That sounded natural, right? I'm just making friendly conversation! And now I can learn what days he works and start getting closer to him! 

Xue Yang sent him a suspicious glance. “What do you want?” Xiao Xingchen smelled the sweet scent of artificial strawberry on his breath and suddenly had the urge to lick the other teen’s lips to see if he tasted just as sweet.

I wonder if he’ll let me have a taste.

“I just want to get to know you,” he smiled innocently. “Actually I’m the student council president and I haven’t had a chance to formally welcome you to the school yet, so how about we eat lunch together? We can go off campus to eat!”

“No.”

“Come on, it’ll be fun! Right, Zichen?” Xiao Xingchen looked to his friend for support.

“He said he doesn’t want to come, Xingchen. You should respect his wishes,” Song Lan said smugly.

“Just ignore him, he won't be joining us,” Xiao Xingchen glared at the traitor. He turned back to his crush, giving his best impression of puppy dog eyes. “Please, Xue Yang, just one meal? I feel like I’ll have failed my student council duties if you don’t allow me to take you to lunch,” he looked up pleadingly from under his eyelashes. This never failed to get him the results he wanted.

Xue Yang wasn’t even looking at him, instead he was fiddling with his phone. Xiao Xingchen was disappointed by the lack of interest but he wasn’t discouraged. The warning bell was about to ring, so he needed to make his move fast. He came up with an idea and, before he could think better of it, lifted the phone out of his hands. 

“Hey!” Xue Yang reached over to try to take it back, but Xiao Xingchen leaned out of his reach.

He quickly added his number to his contacts and shot himself a short text since Xue Yang most likely wouldn’t. After he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket a second later, he handed the one in his hands back to its owner. 

“I put in my number. It can’t be helped if you already have plans but we can get dinner. I’ll text you after school!” Xiao Xingchen beamed.

“I have work,” Xue Yang snatched his phone back, then snapped his mouth shut when he saw Xiao Xingchen’s answering grin.

“That’s no problem, we can go another day then.”

The warning bell sounded then, signaling that there was only one minute until classes began. Xiao Xingchen stood up just as the person whose desk he was sitting in arrived.

“I have to get to class but I’ll see you later, Xue Yang!” he waved excitedly to the other teen as he headed for the door. Then he remembered his friend and added, “See you, Zichen!”

•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

Xiao Xingchen spent the rest of the day talking to, or more like talking at, Xue Yang between classes and getting ignored, but the cold treatment didn’t deter him. By the end of the day, he didn’t know any more about his future boyfriend than he did in the beginning except that those skinny jeans did wonders for his backside.

After school, he went over to Zichen’s house to do their homework together. However, instead of doing his work, he spent almost twenty minutes taking pictures of himself from various angles in front of the flower garden outside his house. Xiao Xingchen asked his friend for help deciding which one looked the best, but all he got in return was a judgmental look. 

In the end, he decided on a photo of himself smiling normally with his hair artfully waving in the light breeze. The late afternoon sun reflected in his eyes to make it look as if they were shining, and beside his face was a small pale pink chrysanthemum angled to look as if it was tucked behind his ear. 

Xiao Xingchen quickly sent it off to his future boyfriend before he could second guess his decision again. 

‘Hey Xue Yang! Here’s a photo of me you can use for my contact! Send one of yourself for me to use too :)’

I hope he gets the reference… I hope he’s gay. …He has to be! It would be such a waste for someone like him to be straight. 

He decided to not think about it. Picture sent, Xiao Xingchen finally went inside and started on his homework. After a few minutes, however, he became restless and kept checking his phone to see if Xue Yang had opened his message. He wanted to know his response! 

An hour later and only a few calculus problems completed, the message was finally marked ‘Read’ but no reply had come. Xiao Xingchen was disappointed but had known that was a possibility, especially seeing Xue Yang’s attitude toward him at school, so he didn’t dwell on it too much. Still, he couldn’t help feeling that he wanted a picture of his to-be boyfriend. 

Tomorrow I’ll get a picture of him! 

Problem resolved, Xiao Xingchen was finally able to set his phone aside and focus on the rest of his homework. It wasn’t difficult and didn’t take him long to finish. As he was finishing up the last question, he idly wondered if Xue Yang was already done with his, or if he’d already started working. Maybe they could work on it together tomorrow. 

Xiao Xingchen blushed, imagining going over to his future boyfriend’s house under the pretense of doing homework. Maybe they would get some done in the beginning, but he hoped that’s not all they would do. 

I could pretend not to understand how to solve a problem, and when Xue Yang comes closer to help, I can turn my head while pretending to be confused and our noses would only be millimeters apart. At that point, all I’d need to do is lean in just a little closer and Xue Yang will definitely feel the sparks fly between us! If he wants to take the lead, I wouldn’t oppose. And if he wants to carry me to his bed, I definitely wouldn’t protest that. 

Caught up in his daydream, he didn’t notice Song Lan had been calling his name until his friend flicked his forehead. “What are you thinking about that’s got you turning all red?”

“Huh? Nothing! I’m just hungry!” Xiao Xingchen waved his arms in front of his face to distract from his weak excuse. It didn’t work. 

“You’re thinking about Xue Yang, aren’t you?” When Xiao Xingchen opened his mouth to refute him, Song Lan held up a hand. “Don’t lie. You can’t hide anything from me, Xingchen, I’ve been your best friend since we were kids.”

“Haha, you know me too well, Zichen,” he laughed. “You’re right, I was thinking about Xue Yang. I was imagining–”

“Stop! I don’t want to know. I just wanted to ask, are you staying for dinner tonight?”

“Ah, no thanks, not today,” Xiao Xingchen declined, glancing at the clock and seeing that it was almost time for dinner. “Actually, I should probably get going soon anyway. Xue Yang’s probably started his shift by now.”

His friend stared at him appalled while he packed up his things. “You’re not actually thinking of ordering pizza again?!” he asked in disbelief.

“You know it!” he slung his backpack over his shoulder. “Wish me luck! If everything goes well, we’ll be dating the next time you see us!”

Xiao Xingchen left without waiting for Song Lan’s response, pulling up the pizza app on his phone and ordering his usual cheese and pineapple pizza. He changed the delivery time to make sure it wouldn’t arrive at his house before he did, and in the little box for special instructions, he wrote for them to ‘Please send your cutest driver.’ Then he clicked the button to complete the order before he could chicken out.

Ahh this is so embarrassing! Will Xue Yang come inside if I invite him? Maybe we could share my pizza. It must be stressful having to move to a new city and go to a new school. I can offer to help relieve his stress! A massage might be good… Then I could touch him. Or maybe he’ll have something else in mind…

Xiao Xingchen continued to imagine all sorts of possible scenarios while he walked, completely forgetting the fact that Xue Yang was working and wouldn’t be able to abandon his job to act out his fantasies. 

By the time he made it home, there was only ten minutes left before the pizza would be arriving. He quickly ran upstairs to his closet, throwing down his bag on the way. Xiao Xingchen tried on all his best clothes but none of them seemed right. Too formal, too casual, too flashy, too revealing. Even though he wanted Xue Yang to see how good the booty shorts made his butt look, it was probably too soon for that, and he didn’t want to scare away his future boyfriend.

In the end, he chose a simple white button down with a slightly oversized pale pink sweater on top and plain white jeans that stopped just above his ankles. It made him look cute, and people always said he looked warm and soft and wanted to hug him when he dressed like this. Hopefully Xue Yang would feel the same. 

Then Xiao Xingchen went into the bathroom to fix his hair. He combed it before artfully messing it up, then ran through it with wet hands to dampen it a little and make it look like he had just gotten out of the shower. 

Everyone loves a freshly showered look, right?

Just when he was contemplating whether it was actually better to have his hair dry, the doorbell rang, giving him no time to change his mind. Xiao Xingchen dropped the hair dryer with a yelp. Xue Yang was here!

“Coming!” he yelled, running to the front door. As he reached for the door, he realized that his wallet was still inside his backpack upstairs. 

I should get the money. But if I forget it, I can use that as an excuse to invite Xue Yang in to wait while I go grab it… Yeah, I’ll do that.

Xiao Xingchen opened the door with a smile on his face, only for it to fall when the person holding his pizza turned out to be a short girl instead of the tall teenager he was expecting.

“Xingchen, so it is you! I thought this was your house. So you asked for the cutest driver, huh?” the girl wiggled her eyebrows at him.

“A-Qing, I didn’t know you worked here,” Xiao Xingchen plastered his smile back on, trying not to let his disappointment show through. “And I didn’t know you could drive.”

“I’ve been working here for almost three months now, and I got my license last week!”

“Congratulations–”

“But Xingchen, I was really surprised to find that this order was yours. Next time you should be more specific, so you get someone on your team,” A-Qing winked.

“Haha, you’re right. I’ll be sure to do that next time,” he laughed, tension easing out of his shoulders as he fell into easy conversation with his friend. It wasn’t A-Qing’s fault that she was the one to deliver his pizza and what she said was right. “I left the money inside. Wait here, I’ll be right back.”

“Sure,” she agreed easily. “And you look good, Xingchen.”

He blushed as he turned away.

It’s fine, I can always see Xue Yang at school. And I can try again tomorrow.

•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

It wasn’t tomorrow when Xiao Xingchen ordered his next pizza. 

He walked with Song Lan to all his classes on Tuesday, making sure to speed his friend along so that he had more time to talk with Xue Yang before he had to go to his own class. Xiao Xingchen had managed to convince – Zichen would say annoy – his future lover into telling him what days he worked: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. He didn’t know the exact times of his shifts, but he guessed that he would be working during the evening rush hour, at least on the weekdays. 

Xiao Xingchen was so happy when Xue Yang finally gave in and told him this information that he could have kissed him right in the middle of the classroom. Well, he would have happily done that if Xue Yang would’ve allowed it. 

It took until after lunch to get him to acknowledge him, and then it was only in the second-to-last period that the other teen begrudgingly told him his schedule, on the condition that Xiao Xingchen would shut up about it. Of course he readily agreed; there would be no reason to keep asking if he already knew the answer. 

After that, Xiao Xingchen had to return to his own classroom and didn’t see Xue Yang for the rest of the day. He and Song Lan didn’t share their final period together, and Xiao Xingchen didn’t know what class he had. When he passed by Xue Yang’s locker at the end of school, his future lover was nowhere to be seen. Xiao Xingchen could only sadly go meet up with his friend at the front of the school to go home together.

Walking toward the front gates, they heard a loud rumble of an engine coming from behind. Curious, Xiao Xingchen turned to see a sleek black motorcycle speed past, its driver hidden behind a simple black helmet. 

“I don’t know why they allow students to ride motorcycles to school. He’s only riding it because it’s disruptive,” Song Lan scoffed.

“Do you know who that is?” The school wasn’t very big and Xiao Xingchen knew most of the students in it, but he didn’t know anyone who owned or could even ride a motorcycle. 

“Who else would it be? It’s Xue Yang,” his friend scowled. 

“Xue Yang?!” He whipped his head in the direction the motorcycle turned but it had already disappeared. 

Song Lan continued speaking but Xiao Xingchen didn’t hear anything over the new fantasy playing out in his mind. 

Attractive, smart, AND rides a motorcycle?! It should be illegal for one person to be so perfect! I wonder if he’ll take me for a ride if I ask. I’ve always wanted to try riding a motorcycle AND I’d get to hold onto him if I do. It would be a win-win situation.

•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

Xiao Xingchen was having a bad morning. His phone hadn't been properly plugged into the charger and had died during the night, so he didn’t have an alarm to wake him. It was only because Song Lan came over to walk to school together that he was even up now. But his friend didn’t want to wait and be late himself so he had gone ahead, leaving Xiao Xingchen to run alone if he wanted to make it to class on time. He didn’t even have time to eat breakfast.

So it was not a good morning. But that all changed when he finally made it to school. Just as he made it to the edge of the school grounds, panting for breath, the same black motorcycle from yesterday drove past him. Xiao Xingchen had been planning on walking the rest of the way so he wouldn’t be out of breath when he got into class, but he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to walk into school with his future fiance. 

He sprinted to the parking lot behind the school – I should really exercise more – and arrived just in time to see Xue Yang pull off his helmet and step off his bike. He shook his hair out, slightly tousled but in the way a model might look purposely disheveled. 

Xiao Xingchen froze in his tracks, his breath suddenly stolen by the view in front of him. 

Can I just drop my pants and spread my legs for him now? Xue Yang, please take me. You can bend me over your motorcycle and take me right here outside. I don’t mind. Or I could sit in front and we could do it on the motorcycle. That would be so hot.

 Xiao Xingchen could have stood there admiring the view all day, but he was brought back to his senses when Xue Yang locked his bike and started walking toward the school, helmet tucked under his arm. Remembering that he only had a few minutes before class began, Xiao Xingchen ran over to his significant other and fell into step beside him.

“Good morning, Xue Yang!” he beamed.

“Why are you talking to me?”

“What do you mean? You’re my friend! Of course I’ll talk to you,” Xiao Xingchen laughed. 

“I never agreed to that,” Xue Yang sped up but Xiao Xingchen’s legs were just as long and he could easily keep pace.

“Xue Yang– Can I call you A-Yang? You can call me A-Chen if you want. I didn’t know you could ride motorcycles! Can you take me for a ride sometime?”

“No.”

“If you don’t have an extra helmet, I can buy my own.”

“Buy one if you want, you’re not getting on my bike.”

Xiao Xingchen pouted, puffing out his cheeks in what he knew was a cute imitation of a small child. “A-Yang, you’re acting like you don’t want to be my friend. You haven’t even responded to any of my texts.” 

He’d wanted to bring up his future fiance’s lack of response yesterday, but it seemed to always escape his mind the moment he laid eyes on him. Today for sure Xiao Xingchen was determined to get a reply and a picture for his contacts – and wallpaper. 

“I don’t,” Xue Yang deadpanned. 

“Don’t say that! I’m sorry, A-Yang, I know you’re just shy.” Xiao Xingchen grabbed the other teen’s free arm and hugged it to his chest. 

Oh. Ohhhh. His arm is so firm. I shouldn’t. But who knows when I’ll get another chance. Just once should be fine, right?

Xiao Xingchen groped his arm but he limited himself to just two squeezes, difficult though that was. 

“Why are you touching me?” Xue Yang gave him an incredulous look, like he couldn’t believe the things he was doing. Xiao Xingchen didn’t know he could be this shameless either, but his dignity was nothing in the face of perfection in the form of an attractive teenager. 

“Oh! Before I forget again, let me get a picture of you to use for your contact in my phone!” he very unsubtly changed the subject. 

Xiao Xingchen took out his phone and ran a few steps ahead of Xue Yang, stopping to snap a photo, then reattached himself to his future fiance’s arm. He’d check to make sure it wasn’t blurry later. He still had the rest of the day to take a better one if it was, but he could only hold onto Xue Yang right now.

It looked like the other teen wanted to say something, but whatever it was, he let it go with an exacerbated huff and pointedly ignored him. Xiao Xingchen didn’t take offense, delighted that he wasn’t shaken off like he’d expected to be. 

They walked into the school together with him hanging off of Xue Yang’s arm. It drew a few curious looks from some of the people still milling about in the halls, but neither of them paid the stragglers any mind. Xiao Xingchen followed his significant other to his locker, where regrettably, he had to release him so he could open it and put his helmet away. But as soon as the locker was closed again, he was back to wrapping himself around his arm. 

Truthfully, Xiao Xingchen needed to stop by his own locker too, but he decided to go after he’d walked Xue Yang to his class. Song Lan was already inside and Xiao Xingchen wanted to laugh at the look of complete horror on his face. Instead, he sent his friend a conspiratorial wink as he walked Xue Yang to his desk.

“I’ll see you soon, A-Yang!” Xiao Xingchen waved as he backed out of the class. 

As soon as he was out the door, he ran to his locker. There was almost no time before the final bell would ring. In the end, however, he was late by a minute and received a warning from the teacher. 

The rest of the day, Xiao Xingchen completely gave up the pretense of walking Song Lan to class and ran to Xue Yang when he spotted him in the halls. He would run over to the other teen and just start talking about anything that came to mind. Usually Xue Yang would just let his chatter roll right off of him, but sometimes he’d respond or put in his own two cents about whatever Xiao Xingchen was talking about. Those times, Xiao Xingchen’s heart soared with glee and he tried to think of questions to ask on the topic just to be able to keep listening to his future fiance’s voice. 

Unfortunately, his efforts to have lunch together continued to prove futile, so Xiao Xingchen could only satisfy himself with talking to him between classes. 

After school let out, Xue Yang managed to go ahead to the parking lot before Xiao Xingchen could get a hold of him. He made it out in time to see his significant other buckle on his helmet before riding off. He didn’t pass by Xiao Xingchen on the way out – he took a different route – so he couldn’t even wave to him. He was slightly disappointed but he would see Xue Yang later that evening, so he couldn’t say that he was truly saddened by not being able to say goodbye. 

Xiao Xingchen returned inside the school to meet up with Song Lan so they could do their homework together as usual. When it was almost time for dinner, he excused himself from his friend’s house and went back to his own to order pizza once again. 

‘Please send your cutest delivery boy.’

Order completed, Xiao Xingchen went up to his room to change into nicer clothes and fix his hair. After fifteen minutes or so, checking his appearance in the mirror, he deemed himself presentable and went to wait by the door for Xue Yang. 

When he heard footsteps walking up some time later, he eagerly got to his feet, brushing off some non-existent dust from his clothes. The bell rang and Xiao Xingchen counted to ten before opening the door. He didn’t want to seem too eager.

“Hi, A-…” he trailed off. “Oh, hi.” 

“Xiao-xuezhang*, good evening,” the younger teen innocently smiled. Across from him stood Lan Sizhui, the student council representative for his grade. While he was admittedly cute, he was definitely not cuter than his A-Yang. 

Why was Lan Sizhui sent? A-Yang is obviously cuter. Don’t the people over at the restaurant have eyes? There’s no one better than A-Yang. How can they not see that?

“I have your pizza,” he continued, unaware of the not-so-pleasant direction Xiao Xingchen’s thoughts had taken.

“Lan-xuedi*, it’s been a while. You work here too?”

“Yes, one of my relatives actually owns the restaurant, and I try to help out when I have time.”

“That’s very kind of you,” he praised, still lamenting how it wasn’t Xue Yang he was talking to right now. “Oh, and here’s the payment for the pizza.”

“Thank you! And here is your pizza.” 

The money and pizza switched hands, then they quickly bid each other goodbye. Xiao Xingchen sighed as he brought the pizza inside, reluctant at having to eat pizza alone for the third time this week. 

I wanted to share this with A-Yang. Next time I’ll be more specific with my instructions.

•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

Thursday at school wasn’t so different from the day before. Xiao Xingchen walked with Xue Yang to all his classes while Song Lan continued to send him looks of disapproval, but he seemed to have given up on trying to convince him to stop pursuing his future husband. 

It seemed like Xue Yang was slowly opening up to him, whether he realized it or not, and was engaging in more of their conversations instead of just being an unwilling audience. Xiao Xingchen learned that he was self-taught in mixed martial arts and sometimes participated in competitions if they weren’t too far from the area. Through his own internet sleuthing, he found out that Xue Yang had actually placed second at the regional championships the previous two years! There were even pictures and videos! He saved them all.

Oh no, he’s athletic too! Look at all that muscle he’s hiding under his clothes! A body like that deserves to have a temple dedicated to it! I’d be its most devout patron. I should get down on my knees to worship him properly. And if A-Yang wants me to do some other things while I’m down there, who would I be to say no?

He tried to look him up on different social media platforms – he didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of it earlier – but they must have all either been set to private or made under a different name because he couldn’t find the other teen anywhere. Since he couldn’t go through with the planned online stalking, he was fairly disappointed, but there was nothing that could be done about it.

Instead, Xiao Xingchen focused on what he did know about Xue Yang and spent the rest of that period fantasizing all manner of different scenarios between the two of them. As soon as the bell rang, however, he quickly came back to his senses. He had to run to catch up with his future husband since he still wouldn’t wait for him. He didn’t mind though, since they hadn’t known each other for long yet. A week hadn’t even passed since they learned of each other’s existence, yet Xiao Xingchen already couldn’t imagine his life without Xue Yang in it. 

When Friday rolled around, Xiao Xingchen woke up excited for another day of spending time with Xue Yang, even if it only amounted to less than half an hour. But those twenty-seven minutes were precious to him, and since his future spouse had work today, he would be able to see him outside of school too!

Ready to meet his future husband, Xiao Xingchen eagerly left for school. Today it was Song Lan’s turn to accidentally sleep in so he made his way alone. His luck was with him when he arrived at the same time as Xue Yang. They walked into school together again. Unfortunately Xiao Xingchen wasn’t hugging his arm this time, but the other teen barely looked annoyed at him tagging along so it was still an improvement.

After second period, he even got Xue Yang to smile! It happened completely by accident. He was running to meet up with his future husband after class ended when he slipped on a piece of paper that someone had left lying on the ground and bumped into someone, which led him to dropping all the books and folders in his arms. That caused a few other people around him to stumble and some to even fall, unable to avoid the mess in the middle of the crowded hall of students rushing to their next class. 

Xiao Xingchen apologized to the people who got caught up in the accident while they grumbled some version or other of “Pay attention to where you’re going” interspersed with cursing, some more colorful than others, as they all collected their things off the floor. He looked up when a pair of combat boots stopped in front of him. 

“You should watch where you’re going.”

Extending a hand out to him was Xue Yang, shoulders shaking slightly from trying to hold back his laughter, but he couldn’t quite manage to suppress his smile. And what a smile it was. Xiao Xingchen’s heart skipped a beat, or several.

He’s an angel. I didn’t know that a smile could be so heart-stopping. His smile could cure illnesses and stop wars and make miracles occur. I just know it can. If everyone could see A-Yang smile, the world would be a better place.

“Th– Thank you…” he stuttered, too dazzled by the sight before him, as he placed his hand into the one offered. 

Xiao Xingchen vaguely noticed the calluses on Xue Yang’s hand and absently wondered what they were from, but that train of thought was instantly derailed when he saw the little snaggletooth that was usually hidden behind the other teen’s scowl.

That is so adorable! It’s so cute! How could I have not noticed it until now? I want to run my tongue over it. Is A-Yang a biter? I hope he is. With how pale I am, just imagine the kind of marks he could leave on me! A-Yang, you can claim me as yours any day! Let’s show everyone I belong to you. 

Unfortunately and obviously, Xue Yang did not bite him right then, nor did Xiao Xingchen get to kiss him. Instead they only walked to his next class together after exchanging a few more words. Xiao Xingchen knew it was uncharacteristic of him to be so quiet, but he didn’t know what to say after Xue Yang saw that embarrassing display! Also he couldn’t get his future husband’s smile out of his mind.

He walked along the edge of the hall where it was less likely for him to run into someone and kept stealing glances at his future spouse. He still had a smile on his face, and it almost seemed as if Xue Yang was walking closer to him than usual; their shoulders brushed more often even without him instigating it. If Xiao Xingchen didn’t know any better, he would think that the other teen was trying to protect him from the crowd. It was a nice thought but highly unlikely.

After they separated, Xiao Xingchen was finally able to breathe normally again. It was a shock seeing Xue Yang so open but one he wanted to repeat. He spent the rest of the day trying to make the other teen laugh. 

If his smile is that beautiful, I can’t even imagine what he’ll look like when he laughs. I want to see it. I want to hear it. What does an angel’s laughter sound like?

Xiao Xingchen was unsuccessful in his endeavors, but he did get Xue Yang to smile two more times. Even if it wasn’t exactly what he’d been after, it was a more than acceptable consolation prize.

For some reason, Xue Yang was still at his locker when Xiao Xingchen walked by after school let out. It was good fortune that he still passed by his locker, even though this was his first time managing to catch his future husband before he left. 

Xiao Xingchen excitedly talked with him some more as he walked him to his motorcycle and saw him off. He couldn’t have been happier with how the week was ending. All that was left would be for Xue Yang to deliver his pizza later.

When it was time, Xiao Xingchen sent in his order with clear and specific instructions.

‘Please send your cutest delivery boy who is a second year student in high school.’

This time for sure! I know it’s going to be A-Yang! They can’t have many second years working there and even if they do, none of them can be cuter than A-Yang. Lan Sizhui is a first year so he doesn’t qualify. It’s gotta be A-Yang!

Xiao Xingchen prepared for his future husband’s arrival, fixing his appearance and preparing the payment. After some consideration, he decided to leave it on the stand near the entry out of sight of the doorway. On the off chance it wasn’t Xue Yang – but it will be – Xiao Xingchen could pay with this money. But if it was Xue Yang – I’m confident it will be – he could pretend to have forgotten it and invite his future spouse inside while he grabbed more cash from his wallet. It was a foolproof plan.

Another ten or so minutes passed and the bell finally rang. Xiao Xingchen calmly opened the door and greeted the other person with a smile that rapidly faded. 

“Wei Wuxian, you work here too? I didn’t know that.”

Does the whole school work here? Why can’t I just get A-Yang to deliver my pizza? I don’t think I’m asking for that much! And he’s much cuter than Wei Wuxian!

“Hmm? What’s this? Why do you sound disappointed, Xingchen? Were you expecting someone else?” Wei Wuxian pried, suddenly very animated. “Who was it? Who did you want to see?”

“No– No one! What do you mean? I wasn’t expecting anyone!” he tried to wave him off.

“Xingchen, I saw the order. I know you asked for a cute delivery boy, and you specifically asked for a second year. Don’t tell me you didn’t have someone specific in mind when you sent that?” His friend sent him a knowing look.

Xiao Xingchen blushed but he continued to deny it. If Wei Wuxian learned that he liked Xue Yang, he would never hear the end of his teasing. 

“Oh, that?” he tried to casually laugh it off, but it came out sounding more awkward and strained than he intended. “That was just a joke. I saw someone online do it, and I wanted to try it too.”

“Uh-huh,” Wei Wuxian agreed in a tone that clearly said he didn’t believe a single word. “Well you don’t have to tell me if you really don’t want to. I mean, I’ll find out eventually but we always have a lot of orders on Fridays so I have to hurry back. Here’s your pizza,” he handed over the box.

Xiao Xingchen took the money off the stand and passed it over. “Thanks, and here’s the payment. Have a good shift!” he waved off his friend. 

“See you at school, Xingchen! I’m going to figure out who you like!”

It’s a good thing I had that money prepared. I can’t believe A-Yang wasn’t the one to come. 

•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

Xiao Xingchen’s first thought when he woke up was that today was the day. Xue Yang would be working and this time he knew exactly what to write to get his love on his doorstep.

It was still early in the morning, but accustomed to getting up early for school as Xiao Xingchen was, he naturally woke up with the sun. He tried to sleep for a little longer, but he was too excited at the prospect of meeting Xue Yang on the weekend to fall back asleep. Since sleep wasn’t an option, he decided to be productive and set about cleaning the house. 

Xiao Xingchen was planning on inviting Xue Yang in when he came over later, and for that the house needed to be spotless. He vacuumed the whole first floor and made sure that everything was put away in its place. He even tidied up his own room just in case the other teen wanted to come up. 

When everything was cleaned to his standards, Xiao Xingchen took a shower to wash all the grime and dust off himself. Preparing for Xue Yang to come over had become routine throughout the week – change into nice clothes and fix his hair. He still put special care into his appearance, but he wasn’t as nervous as he was the first time. 

After he was ready, Xiao Xingchen sat down with his laptop. He wasn’t going to overlook any detail on the order this time. He was determined to get Xue Yang to deliver his order. 

‘Please send your cutest delivery boy who is a second year student in high school and about 180 cm tall.’

There, that should do it. 

A-Qing was a girl, Lan Sizhui was a first year, and Wei Wuxian was over 185 cm. His instructions disqualified all of the people someone over at the restaurant wrongly believed were cuter than Xue Yang. 

They can’t have another employee who fits all of these criteria. If they get this wrong, I’m going to have to go to the restaurant myself and have a word with whoever is managing these orders.

Assured that there were no flaws in his order, Xiao Xingchen clicked send. There was still a lot of time before Xue Yang would arrive, so he settled himself on the couch and caught up on some tv shows he’d recorded throughout the week. A few hours later when the bell rang, Xiao Xingchen ran over and excitedly swung open the door.

“Nooooo! Why is it you?!” Xiao Xingchen bemoaned in disappointment.

“Sorry!” Mo Xuanyu instinctively apologized, bowing in panic. 

“No, sorry, it’s not your fault. I was just hoping for someone else to come. Not that you’re not cute!” he rushed to clarify. “It’s just that, well, this is the only way I can see this guy I like outside of school.”

Xiao Xingchen looked down at his feet, disheartened that it wasn’t Xue Yang standing in front of his door right now. He was starting to resign himself to the fact that his true love would probably never come to his house again. 

“Does he really not want to see me?” he mumbled to himself.

“Um, I saw your delivery instructions… It kind of seemed like they could be describing Xue Yang? Sorry if I’m wrong! But um…" he hesitated, "If you did mean Xue Yang, his shift hasn’t started yet. He comes in later from 5.”

Of course! There’s no way the people at the restaurant would send Mo Xuanyu if A-Yang was working! He’s cute but not that cute. 

Lifting his head back up, Xiao Xingchen’s eyes brightened and his lips turned upward into a hopeful smile. “You’re right! I don’t know why I thought he’d be working already. Thanks, Xuanyu!” 

He didn’t deny that it was Xue Yang he liked. Mo Xuanyu was probably the best person in the school at keeping secrets, so Xiao Xingchen felt safe confiding in him. It wasn’t as if he was particularly trying to hide his feelings for his love anyway. In fact, he thought he was being pretty obvious about them. It would be heartbreaking if Xue Yang was snatched by someone else, so Xiao Xingchen had to make sure everyone knew that he already had his sights set on him. 

“It’s no problem! Also here’s your pizza,” Mo Xuanyu smiled back, remembering why he was there in the first place. 

Xiao Xingchen paid for the pizza and thanked his friend again before bringing it inside. Without even opening the box, he sat with his laptop and ordered another pizza. Honestly, he was starting to get tired of it, eating it almost every day this week, but he couldn’t help it. He really wanted to see Xue Yang! 

He set the delivery time to 5:30 pm and, just to rule out any chance of another misunderstanding occuring, wrote the special instructions so specifically that there would be no possibility of mistaking who he wanted to have the pizza delivered by. After confirming the payment, Xiao Xingchen was at a loss for what he should do. He had over four hours before Xue Yang would arrive, but he was brimming with anxious anticipation. He needed to regain his composure or he’d make a fool of himself again as soon as he saw the other teen. 

Deciding to distract himself by reading, Xiao Xingchen changed into his comfortable loungewear so his nice clothes wouldn’t wrinkle. He stripped down to his boxers and pulled on an old oversized T-shirt and exchanged his contacts for glasses. Carefully folding his clothes over a chair, Xiao Xingchen picked up the current novel he was reading and got back in bed. 

It took some time for all his nervous energy to settle, but once it did, he easily became immersed in the story. It hadn’t crossed his mind before, but Xiao Xingchen realized that the love interest was similar to Xue Yang. As he continued to read, his imagination replaced the main character with himself and the main lead with the other teen.

I wonder if A-Yang would ever say these sorts of things. He could easily have his pick from the whole school if he did. Maybe it’s better if he didn’t. Then I won’t have to compete with anyone for his affections.

•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

Wen Qing stared at the most recent order with incredulity. There was nothing particularly interesting about the order, just a small cheese pizza with pineapple – she gagged – but in the special instructions section was a long block of text with very specific details on the type of person they wanted the pizza to be delivered by.

‘Please send your cutest delivery boy’ – that was subjective and their store had an abundance of conventionally attractive boys – ‘who is currently a second year student in high school’ – she knew there were at least four of them, including her brother, and two were working the current shift – ‘and about 180 cm tall’ - so someone tall. Wen Qing didn’t know everyone’s exact height and she wasn’t planning on asking just to fulfill an order.

And then the instructions got weirdly detailed. 

‘Someone with a tall nose, slightly thin but soft-looking lips with a light red hue, is usually scowling but has an adorable snaggletooth that shows when he smiles, and a nicely toned body.’

This person obviously had someone specific in mind as they were writing this. At this point, they should have just named the person.

Just then, Xue Yang came out from the back with his usual scowl in place, wearing the ugly uniform one of her uncles had chosen. Wen Qing looked down at the order and then back up. 

Hmm… Conventionally attractive, second year, tall. His nose could be considered tall and his lips are thin. He’s always scowling and there is some muscle visible from under his shirt. No way… 

“Hey, Xue Yang,” she called, “smile.”

“What?” his scowl deepened further.

“Show me a smile,” Wen Qing repeated. “Just for a second. I know you’re capable of it.”

“Why?”

“Just do it. Come on, hurry up.”

What Xue Yang showed her was more of a sneer, but it was enough for her to get a glimpse of his canine tooth peeking out. 

Wow, there’s someone out there who likes Xue Yang? I want to know what they see in him.

Wen Qing checked the name on the order and was surprised to see that it was from someone she knew. She was even more shocked that it was someone who everyone had apparently mistakenly perceived as innocent and naive. She never would have guessed that the student council president would go to such lengths to get Xue Yang of all people to deliver his pizza.

Usually Wen Qing would have more reservations on sending an employee to a house that held such obvious intentions, but since she was friends with the customer and knew he wouldn’t do anything untoward, or at least illegal, she held no such qualms. Also Xue Yang was more than capable of defending himself against the school sweetheart, and she was curious what would happen. 

“Don’t get comfortable. You have a delivery as soon as we finish preparing this order.”

“What was that about?”

“Oh, nothing, I just had to check something,” Wen Qing waved him off. “Cute teeth, by the way.”

•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

Xiao Xingchen woke up to the sound of someone repeatedly pressing on his doorbell, the incessant ringing making it impossible for him to continue sleeping. Grumbling as he pushed himself out of bed, he made his way to the front door, prepared to give the person who’d woken him up from his pleasant dream the worst stink eye he could muster in his groggy state. Unfortunately, his sleep-addled brain failed to notice the stray shoe lying in the middle of the entranceway, causing him to stumble right as he opened the door. 

“Ahh–!” 

Just as Xiao Xingchen was sure he was going to hit the ground, he collided into a firm chest instead. The other person’s arm reflexively wrapped around his waist to steady him. When he didn’t fall on his face, he looked up to thank his savior. 

“Thanks, I tripped over… my… shoes…” he slowly trailed off. He was staring directly into eyes as dark and infinite as the sky on a moonless night, their owner the very subject of the dream he was woken from. Xiao Xingchen’s heart rate picked up, his mouth going dry.

He drew in a shallow breath. “A-Yang,” he breathed, voice barely above a whisper. He couldn’t believe that he was finally here again.

His eyes naturally flicked down to Xue Yang’s lips, and his tongue darted out to wet his own before he tore his gaze away. ‘Please kiss me,’ he almost said aloud, but thankfully his brain-to-mouth filter was working properly, and he swallowed the words back down before they could leave his mouth.

Promptly after that thought, his face colored, suddenly remembering the embarrassing display the love of his life had just witnessed. He self-consciously peeked up at Xue Yang from under his lashes, but his soulmate just continued to wordlessly stare down at him.

Xiao Xingchen didn’t know what to make of Xue Yang’s silence – it was different from the disinterest at the beginning of the week – and as he was fretting over it, he realized that he was still flush with Xue Yang’s – warm, strong – body, his hands braced against the other teen’s chest. He could feel the strong muscle underneath his palms, and it took everything he had to resist giving it an experimental squeeze. 

Even though he was in Xue Yang’s arms where he’d always wanted to be, Xiao Xingchen forced himself to straighten up and stuttered out an apology.

“S– Sorry about that. And thanks– thanks for catching me,” he stared at a point to the left of Xue Yang, unable to make eye contact. 

After a few more seconds of silence, Xiao Xingchen couldn’t take the lack of response anymore and made the mistake of looking back at Xue Yang, only to see the love of his life looking him up and down, his eyes lingering on the areas of exposed skin. He became aware of the fact that he was only in a large T-shirt and boxers and his face grew hotter. 

His hands flew down to the hem of his shirt, fidgeting as he attempted to pull it lower to hide his bare legs and preserve a modicum of modesty, but that only tugged the collar down to reveal more of his chest. The cool breeze on his exposed collar and legs left goosebumps in their wake.

A few charged moments later, Xue Yang pointedly cleared his throat and released Xiao Xingchen from his intense stare, looking off to the side. “Here’s your pizza.”

“Um– Ah– I– I left the money inside. I’ll go get it!” Xiao Xingchen practically slammed the door on Xue Yang’s face and ran upstairs. Because he was hiding his face in his hands, he ran into the walls a couple times, but he soon made it safely enough to his room.

Jumping onto his bed and face-planting into his pillow, he screamed for a full ten seconds before coming up again. Xiao Xingchen ideally wanted to take more time to properly freak out, but Xue Yang was still waiting outside so he couldn’t take too long. He went to his full-length mirror to see the extent of damage his reputation had taken in the eyes of the love of his life and wanted to scream again when he saw his reflection.

The collar of his shirt was all stretched out and hanging off of one shoulder, exposing almost half of his chest. It came down to his upper thighs, just long enough to make it seem as if he wasn’t wearing anything underneath. His bedhead was terrible, hair sticking up every which way like it did in the mornings, and his large glasses were crooked on his face. There were even indents on his cheek from where he had fallen asleep on his book!

Nooo! How could I let A-Yang see me like this?! I wanted to seduce him, not embarrass myself in front of him! Why does he only come when I’m a mess?

Xiao Xingchen cried inside at the world’s unfairness while he rushed to change back into his nicer, presentable clothes. He hastily patted his hair down so it didn’t resemble a bird’s nest and then ran back down. Towards the bottom of the stairs, he missed a step and slid the rest of the way down. Xiao Xingchen cringed at the loud noise and the soreness in his bottom but he endured it, only slightly limping the rest of the way. Before he opened the door, he remembered that he was still wearing his glasses and removed them, setting them on the stand near the entry. Then he pushed the handle, only to realize that he’d forgotten to get the money! 

Why?! Why am I like this?! Please, someone just smite me with lightning and put me out of my misery. I’d accept a hole opening up under me and swallowing me whole too. Even a meteor shower is welcome! Who cares if my house becomes collateral damage. Please just someone or something stop me from embarrassing myself further!

“Are you okay? What was that crash?” Xue Yang looked him over, presumably to make sure he was unhurt. “And you didn’t have to change,” he chuckled. “Did you put contacts in?” 

“N– No… I didn’t want to keep you waiting,” Xiao Xingchen admitted, rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding the other teen’s gaze by looking everywhere but at his face.

Xue Yang took a step into his space and lifted a hand out toward him. Xiao Xingchen stiffened just as his soulmate was about to make contact with his arm. But he only reached past him, all the while never taking his eyes off of Xiao Xingchen’s increasingly burning face. His hand came back with his glasses, and he gently placed them on his face. 

“You should keep your glasses on then. I wouldn’t want you to trip again.”

Startled by the sudden proximity and unexpected, intimate gesture, Xiao Xingchen became even more flustered and, to his utter mortification, tripped over his own feet while he was just standing there! With his free hand – his other somehow managing to keep hold of the pizza through everything – Xue Yang grabbed his forearm and steadied him.

“What’d you trip over this time?” Xue Yang laughed. 

The other teen’s laughter was infectious, and Xiao Xingchen couldn’t help grinning despite his embarrassment. He almost didn’t mind that it was at his expense, not when he was blessed enough to have the love of his life laughing in front of his house.

“My dignity,” Xiao Xingchen mumbled, more to himself than in answer, but Xue Yang still heard it and it only caused him to laugh even harder. 

“Here, take your pizza. At this rate, I’ll never be able to leave since I’ll have to keep saving you.” 

I would be okay with that. 

“Um… Actually… I forgot to grab the money again…” he confessed, most definitely blushing an unflattering shade of red.

“Are you sure you’re not doing this on purpose so I can’t leave?” Xue Yang raised an eyebrow at him. 

“Yes. I mean no! I’m not doing this on purpose, I swear!” he waved his hands in denial, trying to clear himself of suspicion. “I’ll be right back with the money!”

This time Xiao Xingchen closed the door with a little more grace before he raced upstairs once again to grab his wallet. When he returned, he was proud to say that he acted calmly as he handed over the cash, even though it was far from how he felt on the inside.

“Here you go. Sorry about making you wait out here for so long.”

“It’s not my fault if you trip again and drop this after I hand it to you,” Xue Yang held out the pizza for him to take. 

Xiao Xingchen reached out to take the box. His fingers brushed over Xue Yang’s, and a spark of electricity jumped at their point of contact. He glanced over at his soulmate to see if he had felt it as well, but his face didn’t reveal any of the emotions Xiao Xingchen was feeling inside. 

“Thanks… Um, do you want to come in? We can share my pizza…” 

“I’m working.”

Xiao Xingchen instantly deflated. “Oh… Right, sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.” 

Of course, he should have expected that answer. Xue Yang just started his shift. He couldn’t ditch work to share a pizza with Xiao Xingchen. And even if he wasn’t working, it wasn’t like he thought of him as a friend. They were only talking more at school because Xiao Xingchen approached him and initiated the conversation. Without him making the first move, they’d probably never speak to each other.

Then Xue Yang asked, “What’d you get?” 

“Pineapple and cheese,” he answered, looking forlornly at the box in his hands.

“You like pineapple on pizza?” 

Xiao Xingchen raised his eyes to see the love of his life wrinkle his nose in disgust. “You don’t like it? What do you usually get?” Xue Yang might not consider him a friend yet, but he wasn’t going to give up. This was a chance to learn more about the other teen.

“One of the dessert pizzas. I like the s’mores one best.”

“That sounds really sweet.” 

Maybe you can share it with me some time. You could feed me. With your mouth. To my mouth. It would probably taste even sweeter that way.

“It is. That’s what makes it good.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to try it next time.”

“I’ll bring one over after my shift.”

Xiao Xingchen stared at the other teen in shock, not comprehending what he’d just said. 

A-Yang is going to bring over a pizza after his shift? Why?? Just to give me to try? 

Xiao Xingchen was smart, his grades told him so. But he could not understand what Xue Yang meant.

After several long seconds of him just blankly staring back at him, Xue Yang broke eye contact and stiffly shrugged back at him. “I have nothing to do after my shift. And you kept bothering me about eating together all week. Figured I might as well get this over with.”

The meaning of Xue Yang’s words finally dawned on him, and Xiao Xingchen’s face broke out into a huge grin. Elated, he almost jumped the love of his life and pulled him into a bear hug. He knew Xue Yang wouldn’t appreciate it, so he tried to keep it to just bouncing on his toes. Reining in his body’s automatic response of wanting to leap into his soulmate’s arms was difficult, but he didn’t want to seem too eager. 

“Really, A-Yang?! You’ll come over again?! You’ll come back?!!”

“I’m only doing this to get you off of my back. If I don’t, you’ll probably keep bothering me at school until I do.”

“I’ll wait for you!”

“I have to get back to work now, but I’ll see you in a few hours, Mr. President,” Xue Yang teased before he turned and walked away. 

Xiao Xingchen’s knees turned to jelly at the mischievous smirk playing on the love of his life’s face, and he had to lean against the door frame to keep upright. 

Oh, the things that smile could do to me.

•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

“How’d the delivery go? You took an awfully long time,” Wen Qing asked after Xue Yang returned.

“There was a lot of traffic,” the other teen didn’t elaborate or even spare her a glance, immediately grabbing his next order and leaving after confirming the address.

“Tch, he’s no fun. I’ll just ask Xingchen on Monday.”

•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

“Oh my god, A-Yang is going to come here! He’s going to come inside!! What do I do? What do I do?!” Xiao Xingchen could thankfully take the time to properly freak out now that he was alone. “I have to clean! Wait, I already did that this morning. Should I make something? He’ll probably be hungry after his shift… Ahh! But there’s no food in the house since I’ve been buying pizza all week! I need to go to the store! But what if A-Yang comes over while I’m still out? Ahhh, I should have asked when his shift ends! I don’t know what time he’s coming!”